London teachers run an information picket on contract talks in Westmount on Thursday, November 28, 2019 as public high school teachers vowed a day-long walkout if negotiations with the province don't progress. (DEREK RUTTAN, The London Free Press)

With a one-day walkout looming Wednesday, the union for Ontario high school teachers and some elementary education workers says it hopes a last-minute deal can be reached.

“This is about the quality of our students’ education and we built this education system together. We’re doing this to defend it for current students and students to come,” said John Bernans, the union’s District 11 president. “I always hope for the best and prepare for the worst. We continue to meet with government representatives in Toronto to try and hammer out a deal.”

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), which represents 60,000 high school teachers in Ontario, plans a day-long walkout Wednesday, a little more than a week after its members launched a work-to-rule campaign and held information pickets.

Unions are also pushing back against the province’s plans to increase the average high school class size and require mandatory online high school courses.

Wages and staffing are also on the bargaining table, Bernans said.

“We’re looking for a deal that protects class sizes, to protect student learning and safety,” he said. “So we’re frustrated, but we’re staying at the table and hoping to get a deal.”

Thames Valley District school board said if teachers walk out Wednesday, it will close all secondary schools due to insufficient supervision, but its elementary schools will remain open.

“Staff (will not be) available in elementary schools as well, such as psychologists, support counsellors, social workers (and) speech language pathologists,” in case of a strike, Bernans said. “There will be some impact on elementary schools.”

The walkout also would force cancellation of all extracurricular activities, including sports and field trips, on Wednesday, the Thames Valley board said.

“As a result, parents/guardians should make alternative arrangements for their children if required,” it said in a statement, advising parents to monitor the board’s website and social media channels for updates.

“We appreciate your ongoing understanding, patience and support of our students,” the board said. “If an agreement is reached, secondary schools will remain open on Wednesday.”

Community use of the school board’s facilities remain at status quo, they said.

Other area boards have announced plans in case of a strike Wednesday:

Lambton Kent District school board will close its high schools for the day.

In Huron and Perth counties, Avon Maitland District school board will close high and elementary schools, out of concern for student safety.